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50+ Years
experience
Your Perfect Historic Wedding Venue in St. Paul
Summit Manor stands as a distinguished wedding and event venue rooted in St. Paul, Minnesota's rich history. Established in 1901 as a private residence and transformed into a reception house in 1971, our property combines architectural grandeur with modern amenities. The McLaughlin family's four-decade stewardship ensures every event benefits from deep institutional knowledge and personalized service. Our team specializes in creating seamless celebrations through comprehensive packages that include venue access, catering, and event coordination. With 15,000 square feet of flexible space accommodating up to 150 guests, we offer both indoor and outdoor ceremony options across five unique locations. Our historic Mankato stone mansion features original architectural details complemented by contemporary upgrades like a commercial kitchen and climate control systems.

Client testimonials consistently highlight our staff's professionalism, stress-free environment, and exceptional food quality. We maintain rigorous operational standards through continuous facility improvements while preserving the property's historic character. Our all-inclusive pricing model eliminates hidden fees, and our 40+ years of collective experience ensures expert guidance throughout the planning process. We remain committed to delivering unforgettable experiences while honoring the venue's National Register of Historic Places designation.
Services
Wedding Venue Event Planning Catering Services Photography Celebration of Life Events
Details
  • Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
  • 40+ years of family-owned operation with specialized event expertise
  • All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges
  • National Register of Historic Places designated venue with unique architecture
  • Flexible indoor/outdoor ceremony options across five distinct locations
  • Consistently top-rated with 5.0/5.0 The Knot reviews and 4.9/5 WeddingWire ratings
What people say
Stress-free environment Beautiful historic mansion Exceptional staff professionalism Outstanding food quality Perfect day execution
Services
Wedding Venue
Our historic Mankato stone mansion offers 15,000 square feet of elegant event space for weddings up to 150 guests. The venue includes five outdoor and three indoor ceremony locations with full accessibility options. Clients receive exclusive use of the mansion's grand foyer, carved staircase, and parlor areas for photography and guest enjoyment.
Event Planning
Personalized event coordination includes pre-event consultations, timeline development, and day-of management. Our experienced planners handle vendor coordination, setup, and execution while maintaining the venue's historic integrity. Services available for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations with customized support packages.
Catering Services
Full-service catering includes plated dinners, cocktail receptions, and Sunday brunch options with seasonal menu selections. Our commercial kitchen prepares meals using fresh ingredients with dietary accommodation options. Beverage packages feature premium spirits and specialty cocktails through our partnered bar service vendor.
Photography
Professional photography services capture events across the mansion's 1901 architecture and landscaped grounds. Packages include pre-wedding consultations, timeline coordination, and high-resolution digital delivery. The venue's original oak flooring, parquet patterns, and curved archways provide distinctive backdrops for formal and candid shots.
Celebration of Life Events
Customized remembrance events combine formal and informal elements in our historic setting. Services include venue setup for toasting ceremonies, personalized beverage packages, and catering options for gatherings of all sizes. Our staff coordinates short-notice arrangements while maintaining the property's dignified atmosphere.
People
David McLaughlin
Owner/Operator
With over 40 years in the wedding industry, David provides expert guidance through every planning stage. He personally oversees all events to ensure seamless execution while maintaining the venue's historic character.
Amber McLaughlin
Photographer
As lead photographer with a decade of experience, Amber captures events across the mansion's unique architectural features. Her work preserves clients' special moments through both candid and posed photography sessions.
Questions
What wedding packages do you offer?
We provide all-inclusive packages for weddings up to 150 guests, including our Small Ceremony Package starting at $1,995 for intimate elopements. Packages include venue rental, catering, and event coordination.
Can we have both ceremony and reception at your venue?
Yes, we offer five outdoor and three indoor ceremony locations with seamless transition to reception spaces. The mansion's layout allows combined ceremonies and receptions without additional venue changes.
Do you allow outside vendors?
We provide comprehensive in-house services but work with approved outside vendors for specialty needs. Our experienced team coordinates all vendors to maintain event quality and historic preservation standards.
What makes your venue unique?
As a National Register of Historic Places property built in 1901, we combine original architectural features like carved oak staircases with modern amenities including climate control and commercial kitchen facilities.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking 12-18 months ahead for peak dates, though we accommodate shorter timelines when possible. 2025 dates are currently available with 2023 pricing through March 1st.
Do you offer event rentals?
Our rental includes tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, and dance floor. We provide centerpieces at no extra charge, with optional upgrades available for customized decor elements.
Reviews (4)
Tommy Williams
Sep 24, 2021 Report
Wonderful place for a wedding. Interesting downstairs bar area, sort of like a speakeasy. Great place for a wedding.
Anindita Rajamani
May 29, 2021 Report
Thanks to the owners, Amber and David, we had an unforgettable prom experience! The place is beautiful and well-maintained, both inside and out, and has plenty of space! There are so many wonderful spots to take photographs and photographer Amber was incredibly patient and took stunning shots! They created a warm and welcoming atmosphere and were very responsive. I would highly, highly recommend the manor for any event!
Kelsey Echols
Mar 31, 2021 Report
Summit Manor hosted a private birthday party for my mom. It was a very small group due to COVID but they made it so special. Every detail was attended to and it was really a beautiful night.
Joe Lo & Co
Jan 04, 2021 Report
An amazing and beautiful venue. The host staff and really everyone from start to finish made this place feel very homey. This is a great place for a small, intimate wedding.